Grayson Murray, a two-time champion on the PGA Tour, tragically passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 30. The cause of his death has not been revealed. Murray had withdrawn from the Charles Schwab Challenge on Friday during the second round due to illness.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan expressed his deep sorrow over Murray’s death. He described the PGA Tour as a family and stated that the loss of a member is a devastating blow. Monahan reached out to Murray’s parents to offer condolences and was informed that they wished for the tournament to continue, believing it was what Murray would have wanted.
Monahan stated that while it would be difficult, they would respect the wishes of Murray’s family. He also mentioned that grief counselors were available at the tournament sites and virtually for those not participating. Monahan was on his way to Ft. Worth and promised to share more information when possible.
Murray had a successful career on the PGA Tour, winning the Sony Open this past January and the Barbasol Championship in 2017. He also had 10 top-10 finishes. Before turning pro in 2015, Murray played collegiate golf at Wake Forest, East Carolina, and Arizona State.
Murray had been candid about his struggles with depression and alcoholism throughout his career. In 2023, he announced that he had become sober. He once expressed feeling like a failure and believed he was wasting his talent.
CBS announcer Jim Nantz delivered the news of Murray’s death during the third round of the Charles Schwab Challenge on Saturday. He became emotional while announcing the news and mentioned that the Tour had offered to stop play, but the family insisted that the tournament should continue. Nantz described it as a sad day on the PGA Tour and promised to cover the tournament with respect and heavy hearts.